Events

Exhibition of Tea Ceremony Utensils

2025.06.06(Fri) - 2025.09.16(Tue)

Overview

The custom of tea drinking, introduced from China to Japan in the 12th century, initially spread among Zen temples. By the Muromachi period, it evolved into a style of tea that celebrated imported Chinese objects (karamono), becoming popular among the ruling elite. In the late 15th century, Murata Jukō (c.1423–1502) advocated the wabi-cha style of tea centered around simplicity and rustic aesthetics. This approach was embraced and further disseminated among townspeople by the wealthy merchant Takeno Jōō (1502–1555), and ultimately perfected by Sen no Rikyū (1522–1591).

While inheriting tradition, tea masters also created new utensils that reflected their individual sense of beauty. Over time, the practice of tea evolved into a comprehensive art form that influenced a wide range of disciplines—including architecture, garden design, cuisine, and flower arrangement—becoming a symbol of Japanese culture.

This exhibition showcases tea utensils from our collection to introduce one aspect of the profound appeal of chanoyu, the Japanese Way of Tea.

　「古瀬戸茶入　遠山」TEA　CADDY

　「黄瀬戸銅鑼鉢」BOWL